DIY tip: Don’t do the twist jerk while using scissors, please
Popular accent colors for kitchens in 1968
First, for the purpose of readers looking for advice on what was popular in 1968 kitchens, let’s capture the colors that Westinghouse was promoting. The decorator panels were available in:
- Supreme Walnut
- Rattan
- Catawba Cherry — Note, Early American, still popular in 1968!
- Astro-Glo Bronze
- Surftex Black
Oh, and there was lots and lots of blonde hair color going on, too, it seems.
In addition, homemakers could make their own panels. The parts of the film meant to generate ideas are the best. Hey: Remember our recent story about Kathy, who made her own dishwasher panel from an enlargement of her grandmother’s Betty Crocker cookbook? Such a great way to add vintage pizzazz — inexpensively and creatively. Tip: Don’t do the twist while using scissors.
Back to the film — 1968 a very bad year
I used to work in the car business, and these kinds of films were commonly created to set the scene for the new product lines being introduced to the dealers. The purpose was to get them all psyched up to sell.
But, oh my: 1968. In contrast to the let’s party mood (although there is a seamy darkness) of this film, the year 1968 was one of the most tragic and divisive (help, I am not a historian, not even sure what words to use) in America’s political history. Martin Luther King was assassinated. Robert F. Kennedy, assassinated. The Vietnam War was under way, with the Mai Lai massacre, Tet offensive, draft dodging and more dividing the country. Richard Nixon was elected president. Hmmm, unemployment was 3.3 percent. Yikes. I am not an expert on film history, but I took a class in college and this Westinghouse video makes me recall the 1966 film Blowup by Michaelangelo Antonioni. Films like this — which are considered “ephemera” and were not really meant to endure — are so interesting. Thank you, Jackie and Todd, for this discovery.
Jeanne says
The beginning reminds me of the beginning of “Night of the Living Dead” (made in 1968) which made the “They’re coming to get you, Barbara” line famous. I think that’s Barbara in the beginning of that film.
I totally want to groove with my refrigerator, now. And it’s from the 60s, so I’m good. 😀
Katie B. says
I thought the exact same thing about the beginning! I was waiting for the zombie to pop out and start chasing her. 🙂 (We are big Romero fans in my house.)
Marta says
Yes! That’s exactly what I was thinking during the whole in-the-woods scene! Well, that, and trying to think of the model’s name.
Lee in Florida says
Yeah, I was a little creeped out for the first minute or so… then we got all groovy, and everything was okay again.
Joe says
Westinghouse Baby!
Looks like it was produced by “Jam Handy Pictures”…
I did a quick search and found a documentary on him and ordered a copy. Should be interesting… Thanks for sharing it… made my day..
Allen says
Please share with us about the documentary!
Joe says
will do…
It was on Amazon..
After reading reviews… it’s mostly an interview with “Jam”… not many/any clips of his work… still sounded interesting..
Joe Boeckholt says
Looks like there are portions of the interview on YouTube… just search on Jam Handy…. dang, I could have saved my 19.89 with shipping…
Have a good one.
-Joe
Ed says
I can only imagine my grandfather, who was pretty conservative and a small-town Westinghouse dealer, shaking his head at this.
By the way, I didn’t know there were three-door fridges back in the day! Informed!
Morgen says
I don’t think I’ve ever looked so happy doing a DIY craft. Maybe I’m just not listening to the right music. But I have a feeling it would take a lot longer since I would have to restart several times because of crooked lines caused by dancing. That video was great!
Jackie says
I LOVE this video. I need a fridge like this… but where will I find all the groovy friends? Go-Go boots, alcohol, dancing, and decorating with sharp objects. Now that is a party!
PJ Fedora says
If it’s any consolation all those beautiful preppy people are in their mid sixties or early seventies today.
Lynne says
I don’t know what these gals are takin’ but I want some!
Sarah G says
Haha! Oh how I wish so badly that everything was as customizable as back in the day!! Love all the groovy inspiration ideas! Must throw groovy party in kitchen immediately!!!
BlueJay says
Wow! That woman was dancing the ENTIRE time she was making her own panel! I love this idea (the panels, not the Dancing-whilst-DIYing)! Interestingly, this idea continued (and still may, I’m not sure), at least into the early 90s, albeit scaled down immensely. Our circa 1992 GE dishwasher has a removable panel in white or beige! 😀 Not nearly as exciting, but interesting nonetheless…
Eartha Kitsch says
1. That was AWESOME!
2. I want a decorator panel on my fridge.
3. That intro was very Dark Shadows.
4. I should have more parties next to my refrigerator.
5. I wonder if Americans would be more creative in their home decor if we were all hepped up on something. Maybe one good collective acid trip would be all that it would take to bring the fun back into design!